Elkhorn Drive is in northeast Oregon. It forms a loop drive beginning and ending in Baker City. The byway follows OR 7, CR 24, FSR 73, CR 1146, and US 30 for a total of 106 miles. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Most of Elkhorn Drive is open all year. The portion between Granite and Anthony Lake is not plowed during winter and is closed mid-November through mid-June.
The Elkhorn Drive cuts through dense forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce as it winds through the Elkhorn Mountains of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The byway passes beautiful mountain lakes and rivers, all providing excellent fishing opportunities. Gold was discovered in this area in 1862 by five ex-Confederate soldiers. Visitors may wish to pan for gold near the Deer Creek Campground or McCulley Fork Campground at the areas set aside for this purpose.
Be sure to take some time and ride the rails of the historic Sumpter Valley Railroad. A five-mile section of the original tracks have been restored between Sumpter and the McEwen Station. The ten-mile round trip ride is powered by a steam locomotive. The narrow-gauge train operates on weekends and holidays throughout the summer.
Those interested in hiking or just taking a walk will find numerous trails along the byway. Hikers can access the Elkhorn Crest National Recreation Trail, which is a 22½-mile trail following the ridge top of the Elkhorn Mountains. Other shorter trails can be found that lead to placid mountain lakes and secluded spots.
If you wish to extend your stay in the area, the national forest has several campgrounds to choose from. The largest campground is Union Creek, situated on the banks of Phillips Lake. Here visitors will find 58 campsites that can accommodate tents or recreational vehicles. Drinking water, restrooms, electric hookups, a boat ramp, and swimming area are among the facilities. Deer Creek Campground is a small six-site campground for tent campers. The Anthony Lakes area offers four campgrounds with a total of 56 sites.